Hi, everyone a friend on another site pointed me here(Casey). I have almost No experience with pools except on a volunteer project years ago. Here is where I am. My parents installed an inexpensive AG pool last year. This season the filter broke down “think intex†it took two weeks to get in new filter; a part was missing so another week to get the new part. It arrived just as they were preparing to be gone for a week knowing that the pool could not sit in our sun like that for another week they asked me to come work on it. I know even before this happened they never really had the chemistry under control and were very frustrated. I am hoping to not only clean things up but also learn to manage the pool so I can help them learn to enjoy their pool. The problem is I know NOTHING !
I have read the defeating algae and “green swamp†links and found them very helpful. I also have been discussing it with Casey who helped me get started with the BBB method. I searched for their test kit and found parts of what looks like two drop kits neither is complete. I did find sample bottles from a pool store about 30min away (the closest). I have there new sand filtration unit up and running 24/7. We added 3 gallon of bleach to start and a gallon more about three times since. The Algae which was NOT green and slimy but brownish thick and spongy began to die immediately. We have used the surface skimmer and the poll skimmer to remove all large matter. We have vacuumed on waist adding fresh water at the same time and frequently brushed sides and bottom. We are now about 36 hrs in water is still very murky but beginning to clear.
I am feeling lost on the pool chemistry. Since I wasn’t sure about the amount of bleach without good testing. I sent my husband to pool store to have a sample tested. He forgot the sample so while they were laughing at him they were kind enough to give him some test strips and the color guide and suggested we bring in another sample in a day or two. The test strips are the 5 way and don’t test for CYA. I used the sample bottle to get sample from about 18 in deep and tested. Ran the test twice here is what I got. (Note sample was taken after dark about three hours after adding bleach.) FC 3 , TC 2, PH about 8 (did really math the 7.8 or 8.4) TA 120, and total hardness 250.
I did find that my mom had a complete CYA kit (HTH dropper test) the problem is I am not sure it is working I followed the directions mixed the solution with the water it should get cloudy. Then transfer to the view tube until the dot disappears. Problem is the water did not get cloudy so dot did not disappear giving me a reading of ZERO!!
So now I do not know where to go from here.
I have read the defeating algae and “green swamp†links and found them very helpful. I also have been discussing it with Casey who helped me get started with the BBB method. I searched for their test kit and found parts of what looks like two drop kits neither is complete. I did find sample bottles from a pool store about 30min away (the closest). I have there new sand filtration unit up and running 24/7. We added 3 gallon of bleach to start and a gallon more about three times since. The Algae which was NOT green and slimy but brownish thick and spongy began to die immediately. We have used the surface skimmer and the poll skimmer to remove all large matter. We have vacuumed on waist adding fresh water at the same time and frequently brushed sides and bottom. We are now about 36 hrs in water is still very murky but beginning to clear.
I am feeling lost on the pool chemistry. Since I wasn’t sure about the amount of bleach without good testing. I sent my husband to pool store to have a sample tested. He forgot the sample so while they were laughing at him they were kind enough to give him some test strips and the color guide and suggested we bring in another sample in a day or two. The test strips are the 5 way and don’t test for CYA. I used the sample bottle to get sample from about 18 in deep and tested. Ran the test twice here is what I got. (Note sample was taken after dark about three hours after adding bleach.) FC 3 , TC 2, PH about 8 (did really math the 7.8 or 8.4) TA 120, and total hardness 250.
I did find that my mom had a complete CYA kit (HTH dropper test) the problem is I am not sure it is working I followed the directions mixed the solution with the water it should get cloudy. Then transfer to the view tube until the dot disappears. Problem is the water did not get cloudy so dot did not disappear giving me a reading of ZERO!!
So now I do not know where to go from here.
Glad to see you made it over. 
Once mom and dad get home, tell them how important it is to get the good test kit. They have been so frustrated, it will take the guess work out of it and they'll enjoy a Trouble Free Pool as will you and the kids. :-D It will last them a couple years and you can upgrade the kit on an as need basis. 
I didn't suggest that much until she gets a real test kit as to not take the chance of harming the liner.
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